How to Pronounce "doesn't know his ass from his elbow"
expression
DUZ-uhnt NOH hiz ASS frum hiz EL-boh
DUZ-uhnt NOH hiz ASS from hiz EL-boh
Definition
This informal and humorous expression means someone is completely ignorant or clueless, especially about what they're supposed to know or do.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈdəzən/, /ˈdəzənt/ /ˈnoʊ/ /ˈhɪz/, /hɪz/ /ˈæs/ /ˈfɹəm/ /ˈhɪz/, /hɪz/ /ˈɛɫˌboʊ
British English
ˈdʌzənt/ /nˈəʊ/ /hˈɪz/ /æs/ /fɹˈɒm/ /hˈɪz/ /ˈɛlbəʊ
Simplified Pronunciation
US
DUZ-uhnt NOH hiz ASS frum hiz EL-boh
UK
DUZ-uhnt NOH hiz ASS from hiz EL-boh
Listen in Context
He doesn't know his ass from his elbow when it comes to cooking.
My boss doesn't know his ass from his elbow about computers.
She doesn't know her ass from her elbow in math class.
Honestly, he doesn't know his ass from his elbow when fixing cars, so don't ask him for help.